Tune in to latest hot topics

What are the hot topics that will be talked about in the coffee shops, the gyms and health clubs, the barber shops and hair salons over the next few months?

Lacking a crystal ball, the Sandusky Radio group recently summoned a panel to give public-affairs directors at Puget Sound radio and TV stations some direction. Sandusky staffers identified three issues: education, crime and traffic.

All good suggestions, but skewed toward a middle-class perspective, said panelist Rick Rafael, communications manager of United Way of King County. Rafael said that, for the poor, what matters are health and human-service problems.

Dick Foley of King County Senior Services, supported Rafael, pointing out that 44 million Americans lack health care. Panelist state Sen. Rosa Franklin, D-Tacoma, recalled the Legislature's attempts to reform the state's health-care system in 1993. She said, "We were beaten so badly... "

On yet another issue, panelist Marilyn Canfield, coordinator for the Million Mom March, delivered a plea for gun safety. She said, "Thirty thousand Americans are killed with guns every year. Yet we have a powerful lobby that opposes any restriction on guns."

The panel left the directors with much to consider. None could forget Canfield's words: "Does anyone really need more than one gun a month?"

Rest of the story: Gary Ewing and Wally Toner, two savvy Seattle activists, died within a week of one another in October, both at 58, both mourned by the city's political forces.

And now, quite by accident, the two are sharing a peaceful hillside at Calvary Cemetery.

Jerry Toner, Wally's brother, tells this story: "I was walking the grounds with Wally's son Brendan, searching for a good spot. Brendan liked the area under a weeping birch tree. We checked the neighborhood and were taken by the names: Murphy, Sullivan, Kennedy, Morris and Kelly, names that figured in Wally's history. Then we noticed a recent grave and looked a little closer. Sure enough, it was Gary Ewing's resting place."

Gary's wife Violet, discovered the coincidence during a visit to Gary's grave. She asks, "Just what do you suppose Gary and Wally are up to?"

Garden variety: Just when you thought, Whew!, the campaign season is finally over, along comes a campaign-style fund-raiser for Seattle's Chinese Garden. The event will be held next Sunday at the home of Bill and Stephanie Stafford.

The ebullient Bill Stafford, who always lets me inspect his tie for food stains, probably is responsible for the invitation's witty words.

Among the garden's selling points: (a) hard rock experience with vast pools of knowledge; (b) moon gate to the Seventh Century, and (c) endorsed by the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Bamboo Shoots.

Taking the initiative: KWJZ morning host Matt Riedy quips that he's heard that initiative-prone Tim Eyman is already working on a new initiative. Riedy says that Eyman's going to call it the "Hey, quit turning over my initiatives initiative."

Jean Godden appears Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Phone: 206-464-8300. E-mail: jgodden@seattletimes.com.